Rockies Trade for Outfielder Jake McCarthy, Send Pitcher Josh Grosz to D-backs

January 10, 2026

A New Chapter for McCarthy in the Mile High City

The crisp mountain air of Denver is set to welcome a new face to the Colorado Rockies. Outfielder Jake McCarthy, known for his speed and defensive prowess on the diamond, has been officially acquired from the Arizona Diamondbacks. The deal, confirmed by both organizations, marks a significant move for the Rockies as they aim to bolster their roster.

In exchange for McCarthy, the Rockies are sending a promising young arm, right-handed pitching prospect Josh Grosz, to the desert to join the Diamondbacks. This transaction sheds light on the strategic maneuvering happening behind the scenes as teams prepare for the upcoming season and beyond.

Diamondbacks Address Outfield Logjam

A Strategic Decision

For the Arizona Diamondbacks, the trade serves a dual purpose: acquiring a developing talent in Grosz and alleviating a surplus in their outfield. With a roster featuring several capable outfielders, the team faced a potential logjam, making a trade a logical step to ensure playing time and optimize their roster construction.

The decision to move McCarthy, a player who has shown flashes of potential, underscores the team’s internal evaluations and their strategy for cultivating their farm system. By sending him to the Rockies, they gain a prospect who could potentially fill a future need in their pitching staff.

Grosz’s Potential in Arizona

Josh Grosz, the right-handed pitcher heading to Arizona, represents a different kind of asset for the Diamondbacks. While McCarthy offered immediate outfield help, Grosz offers the promise of future starting pitching. His development within the Diamondbacks’ system will be a storyline to watch closely.

Details regarding Grosz’s career thus far indicate he spent his 2025 season at the High-A level. This suggests he is a player still on the path to potentially reaching the major leagues, a path the Diamondbacks will now guide him on.

Rockies Seek Speed and Defense

Filling a Need

The acquisition of Jake McCarthy signals Colorado’s intention to inject more speed and dynamic defense into their lineup. McCarthy’s ability to cover ground in the outfield and his baserunning capabilities are attributes that can immediately impact a team’s performance.

In a sport where every advantage counts, speed can often translate into extra bases, stolen bags, and crucial defensive plays that save runs. The Rockies will be hoping McCarthy can bring these elements to their game.

Grosz’s Journey Continues

For Josh Grosz, this trade represents a new beginning and an opportunity to prove his worth within a different organization. The transition to a new team, new coaches, and new teammates is a significant step in any player’s career.

His journey through the minor league system will now unfold under the Diamondbacks’ watchful eye. The High-A level experience he gained in 2025 provides a foundation upon which he can build, with the ultimate goal of contributing to the major league club.

A Look Ahead

Both the Rockies and the Diamondbacks have made moves that align with their respective organizational goals. The Rockies have added an outfielder who can contribute immediately with his speed and defense, while the Diamondbacks have addressed an outfield surplus and added a pitching prospect to their system.

As the baseball world continues to churn with transactions, this trade between Colorado and Arizona serves as a reminder of the constant evolution within Major League Baseball. The careers of Jake McCarthy and Josh Grosz will now take on new dimensions, shaped by the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead with their new clubs.

“Every trade is a chance for a player to prove themselves and for a team to improve. We’re excited about what Jake brings to our club and wish Josh the best in Arizona.”
– A hypothetical team executive

Rockies Trade for Outfielder Jake McCarthy, Send Pitcher Josh Grosz to D-backs

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